Dr. Sukanta Majumdar presides over football distribution programme in West Bengal; Football for Schools (F4S) programme completed in 33 States/UTs

**Executive Summary** Dr. Sukanta Majumdar presided over a football distribution program in West Bengal as part of the Football for Schools (F4S) initiative. The program aims to distribute footballs across India, focusing on schools in various districts. As of February 28, 2026, the F4S programme is complete in 33 States/UTs. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Football Distribution:** * Over 87,000 footballs are being distributed across West Bengal. * More than 7 lakh footballs have been distributed nationwide across 625 districts. * Approximately 9.80 lakh FIFA footballs are being distributed across the country. * Nearly 1,700 FIFA footballs have been distributed across Dakshin Dinajpur district, covering approximately 250 schools. * **Program Details:** * The Football for Schools (F4S) Programme has been successfully implemented across 33 States and Union Territories, achieving nationwide coverage. * The initiative benefits over 1.5 lakh schools, including PM SHRI Schools, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Residential Schools. * Distribution is done through designated nodal institutions, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan. * Structured capacity-building programs were conducted for Physical Education teachers. * The program promotes inclusion, participation of girls, and children from rural and aspirational districts. * **Collaboration:** * The event was organised by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). **Impact Analysis** **Schools (Including PM SHRI Schools, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, Eklavya Model Residential Schools)** * **Impact:** Increased access to footballs for sports and physical education activities, fostering a culture of sportsmanship and teamwork. * **Action Required:** Integrate football into the school ecosystem to promote physical fitness and a sporting spirit. **Students** * **Impact:** Increased opportunities for participation in sports, improved physical fitness, and fostering of sportsmanship, teamwork, and a sporting spirit. * **Action Required:** Actively participate in football activities to benefit from the program's goals. **Physical Education Teachers** * **Impact:** Enhanced capacity to effectively integrate football into regular school activities through structured capacity-building programs. * **Action Required:** Implement the knowledge and skills gained to promote football and physical fitness among students. **Ministry of Education, AIFF, and FIFA** * **Impact:** Successful implementation of the Football for Schools program, achieving nationwide coverage and benefiting numerous schools and students. * **Action Required:** Continue to support and expand the program to further promote football and physical education in schools.

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